What is the primary objective of the probate process?

The primary objective of the probate process is to settle debts and ensure legal title transfer. When someone passes away, their estate must go through probate to resolve any outstanding debts they may have, ensuring that creditors are paid before any assets are distributed to heirs or beneficiaries. This process validates the deceased individual's will (if one exists) and facilitates the legal transfer of the deceased's property and assets to the rightful heirs.

By settling debts first, probate helps to maintain the integrity of the estate and protect the interests of all parties involved, including creditors and beneficiaries. This ensures that the legal title to assets is appropriately transferred to those designated in the will or by intestacy laws if no valid will exists. The focus on settling debts and ensuring the legality of title transfers is crucial to avoiding potential disputes and ensuring a smooth transition of ownership after the individual's passing.